Nation briefs

Published: Monday, January 28, 2008 at 1:34 a.m.

Last Modified: Monday, January 28, 2008 at 1:34 a.m.

Winter storms continued to soak Southern California on Sunday, and meteorologists warned that wetter weather was on its way.

Up to 2 inches of rain fell overnight in valley and coastal areas and about double that in the mountains, National Weather Service specialist Stewart Seto said.

The rain appeared not to have triggered any major mud slides, but Seto said more thunderstorms were likely, bringing an increased likelihood of slides in areas denuded by last year's wildfires.

ARLINGTON, Texas

Burglar steals cross

of Orthodox bishop

A burglar who broke into a Greek Orthodox bishop's car made off with several items, including Bishop Metropolitan Isaiah's jeweled crown of gold and silver, which Isaiah estimated to be worth between $6,000 and $10,000.

Isaiah is based in Denver and is bishop for the Northwest region of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.

SANDUSKY, Ohio

People say worker

showed a temper

Nursing home worker John Riems had a temper and spent long periods in patients' rooms with the doors closed, neighbors and former co-workers say, troubling observations that have suddenly taken on a sickening weight.

Riems, 49, is charged with raping a paralyzed patient at the home where he was a night-side nurse, and police say he claimed to have attacked scores of others -- so many that he could not recall them all. Riems told police he had abused almost 100 patients since 1985, at up to 10 nursing homes, but could remember specific information on only about two dozen patients, an official said.

Riems reportedly pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and gross sexual imposition.

LOS ANGELES

'Spartans' take first slot over 'Rambo'

The epic spoof "Meet the Spartans" narrowly beat "Rambo" to nab the top spot in the weekend box office, according to studio estimates Sunday.

The 20th Century Fox movie, which lampooned last year's epic blockbuster "300," took in an estimated $18.7 million in its weekend debut. It edged out "Rambo," a Lionsgate release starring and directed by Sylvester Stallone, which took in $18.2 million.

Last weekend's hit, "Cloverfield," which set a January opening record with $41 million, was down steeply at No. 4 with $12.7 million. The film "27 Dresses" was third with $13.6 million.

LOS ANGELES

File-sharing service

Qtrax opens shop

An online file-sharing service aims to woo music fans by offering unlimited, free song downloads that are compatible with iPods, all with the blessing of recording companies. Qtrax (www.qtrax.com) is the latest online music venture counting on the lure of free music to draw in fans and advertising to pay the bills, namely record company licensing fees.

<p>LOS ANGELES</p><p>Mud slides feared</p><p>as storms continue</p><p>Winter storms continued to soak Southern California on Sunday, and meteorologists warned that wetter weather was on its way.</p><p>Up to 2 inches of rain fell overnight in valley and coastal areas and about double that in the mountains, National Weather Service specialist Stewart Seto said.</p><p>The rain appeared not to have triggered any major mud slides, but Seto said more thunderstorms were likely, bringing an increased likelihood of slides in areas denuded by last year's wildfires.</p><p>ARLINGTON, Texas</p><p>Burglar steals cross</p><p>of Orthodox bishop</p><p>A burglar who broke into a Greek Orthodox bishop's car made off with several items, including Bishop Metropolitan Isaiah's jeweled crown of gold and silver, which Isaiah estimated to be worth between $6,000 and $10,000.</p><p>Isaiah is based in Denver and is bishop for the Northwest region of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America.</p><p>SANDUSKY, Ohio</p><p>People say worker</p><p>showed a temper</p><p>Nursing home worker John Riems had a temper and spent long periods in patients' rooms with the doors closed, neighbors and former co-workers say, troubling observations that have suddenly taken on a sickening weight.</p><p>Riems, 49, is charged with raping a paralyzed patient at the home where he was a night-side nurse, and police say he claimed to have attacked scores of others -- so many that he could not recall them all. Riems told police he had abused almost 100 patients since 1985, at up to 10 nursing homes, but could remember specific information on only about two dozen patients, an official said.</p><p>Riems reportedly pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and gross sexual imposition.</p><p>LOS ANGELES</p><p>'Spartans' take first slot over 'Rambo'</p><p>The epic spoof "Meet the Spartans" narrowly beat "Rambo" to nab the top spot in the weekend box office, according to studio estimates Sunday.</p><p>The 20th Century Fox movie, which lampooned last year's epic blockbuster "300," took in an estimated $18.7 million in its weekend debut. It edged out "Rambo," a Lionsgate release starring and directed by Sylvester Stallone, which took in $18.2 million.</p><p>Last weekend's hit, "Cloverfield," which set a January opening record with $41 million, was down steeply at No. 4 with $12.7 million. The film "27 Dresses" was third with $13.6 million.</p><p>LOS ANGELES</p><p>File-sharing service</p><p>Qtrax opens shop</p><p>An online file-sharing service aims to woo music fans by offering unlimited, free song downloads that are compatible with iPods, all with the blessing of recording companies. Qtrax (www.qtrax.com) is the latest online music venture counting on the lure of free music to draw in fans and advertising to pay the bills, namely record company licensing fees.</p>